National Security Advisor Monica Juma has said that attacks on services are not uniquely Kenyan issues, adding that numerous systems around the world experience attacks every day.
Last week, key government institutions faced challenges after a devastating cyberattack crippled government services and triggered anxiety in banks and mobile money apps.
Platforms such as eCitizen and those linking banking systems with mobile money providers experienced challenges as it became apparent that hackers had targeted Kenyan institutions and private businesses.
Amb. Juma said the critical thing about it is having the capability to detect and respond to the threat, either before it is executed or immediately after it has been executed.
“As informed by the ministry, we are past that but we have to keep improving our capabilities for detection, as well as continue building on our capacity for response,” she said.
“Indeed, we are satisfied that we have not lost any data. We are a model and hence there is a lot of interest in our country.
Juma also noted that on Wednesday, Kenya ranked number three on Google search, up from position five from the previous day.
“A lot of people are interested in our level of technological adaptation and engagement,” she added.
“We expect that curious actors, good and bad, will test our systems. That is the nature of the environment we are in.”
Juma was speaking at a media briefing during the launch of the Nairobi Caucus on Preventing the Exploitation of Technology and Communication for Terrorist Use.
Now in its second edition, the Nairobi Caucus was conceived as a context-specific examination of how terrorist groups are exploiting technologies and communication platforms in Africa.
Its aim is to create a shared understanding of how to respond to how terrorists are leveraging and using communication platforms to commit terrorist acts in the region.
Juma noted the conference was important, adding that it continues to build a common understanding of the spectrum of risks and vulnerabilities to watch out for.
“As a country, we are paying very close attention to the quantum of confidence that we must have and must continue to renew every day,” she said.
